Every day, different types of food enter your mouth, but not all of them get digested. Some of the food you eat may stay in between your teeth and gums. You can brush your teeth to remove some of it, but that alone cannot completely clean your mouth. You need other ways to prevent plaque and bacterial buildup, and that is where regular flossing comes in.

The Importance of Flossing Your Teeth

Flossing is the method of removing bacteria, plaque, and other debris in your mouth that a toothbrush cannot reach. This process involves using a thin cord that you insert in between your teeth to remove trapped bacteria and dirt. 

Regular flossing can help prevent different oral health problems and infections, like tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontitis, and more. 

When to Start Flossing

As soon as kids get permanent teeth, they can start adding flossing to their daily oral care routine. That is around the age of 12 years old. Consult with your dentist to know which kind of flossing is best for your kid. 

Starting them young and surrounding them with a supportive environment can make them start their oral care the right way. They will feel more encouraged and comfortable with the idea of practicing it every day.

How to Correctly Floss Your Teeth

Step 1: Get at least 18 inches of floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving your index fingers free. Ideally, wrap more floss to one side where all the new and clean floss will come from. All used floss should move towards the shorter side. 

Step 2: Tightly hold a small amount of floss with your thumbs and index fingers. 

Step 3: Gently move the floss between the teeth, but remember not directly to hit your gums. Repeat this with all your teeth, and make sure not to forget the ones at the back. 

Step 4: Roll up the used floss into a ball and throw it away after. Never use the same floss again to prevent any bacterial contamination. 

Make sure to floss your teeth at least once a day before you brush your teeth for enhanced cleaning and protection.

The Right Floss to Use

There are a lot of available floss options in the market today. Make sure that you only buy quality products recommended by the Canadian Dental Association. 

Here are some helpful tips to help you choose the right floss for you: 

  • If you have large gaps between your teeth, try using dental tape. 
  • If you have smaller gaps, waxed floss will be easier to slide in.
  • Disposable flossers and floss are best for those who want less mess when flossing.
  • Any floss is suitable for people with braces or bridges, but a spongy floss is more suitable. 
  • Electric flossers are also available for people who want convenience.

Conclusion

Get into the habit of cleaning your teeth by regularly flossing, brushing, and using mouthwash. You can also consider flossing while watching your favourite series or listening to music or your favourite podcast to make the experience less of a chore. Flossing can effectively help you remove the plaque and bacteria that your toothbrush can never reach, so try to incorporate it into your daily dental routine.

Forgetting to floss your teeth will eventually lead to hard-to-remove plaque that will require professional cleaning. If you need dental cleaning in Edmonton, visit us at Edmonton Smiles. We aim to provide our clients with a pleasant dental experience, and we will make sure to bring back your smile in no time. Contact us today to book your appointment.

Posted in Clinical Advice and Oral Health Tips